Yes, Lank. In fact, in unsubstantiated EUCNN interview, George Lucas told the interviewer that his sole reason for even thinking up the screenplay to his 1977 Star Wars movie was for the ultimate goal of bringing the Star Wars Holiday Special to TV. At the time he had the Star Wars Holiday Special concept, however, he lacked the resources to create it and have it carried on a major network TV. That would only come with the success of a major motion picture.

So, in actuality, everything Star Wars was created for the sole purpose of being able to create the Holiday Special.

The Holliday special was a result of Lucas abusing controlled substances, and having a large debt to an unknown figure who lives in a unregisterd manor/villa in the middle ou the colombian rain forest.

1. Anything (officially) Star Wars that's not Infinities is canon.
2. The six-part Star Wars movie saga (Star Wars: Episodes I through VI) is absolute canon. (until Lucas decides to 'edit' it once again. Next up ? Gilbert Godfrey as Luke.)
3. the NJO is not canon due to conflicting with the EU.

1. All official Star Wars material not from Star Wars Tales #1-20 or marked with an Infinities sign is canon.
2. All movies and derivatives thereof are absolute canon.
3. The NJO is canon, as it does not contradict continuity.*

*Despite what Wes says, there are reasons for any perceived changes between YJK and NJO. Oh, and characterizations aren't an issue of continuity, as they are subject to interpretations.

Wes, you can't tinker with continuity to add or delete stuff you personally don't like. If I wanted to be really technical, I could say TPM should not be regarded as canon because Jabba character was far too nice in it to be the evil prick in ESB who wants and gets Han in carbonite. Ignoring the very dodgy example, it doesn't work that way. Pellaeon's spot on.